The aims of modules 1 & 2 are to understand how to optimise the supply of nutrients, from home produced and purchased feeds, to achieve the desired, production, efficiency and economic returns, while minimising the impact on the environment.
The aim of module 3 is to understand the purpose of the environmental policies affecting agriculture and livestock production, the key emissions from ruminants, pigs & poultry and the effect on the environment and ways to reduce/mitigate them.
The aim of module 4 is to understand how nutrition and feeding management can be used to mitigate environmental impact.
Module 1 - Fundamentals of whole farm feed planning
Advisers must be able to make an assessment of the livestock’s genetic potential and health status, buildings and facilities and overall management in the context of expected levels of production. They must also have a basic understanding of production, nutrition and feeding systems, and an awareness of opportunities where nutrient inefficiencies and excesses can be minimised thereby reducing negative impacts on the environment.
Module 2 - The nutritional link to animal health and fertility
Advisers must be cognisant of the key links between nutrition, health and fertility and comprehend relevant aspects of animal health and fertility records, and where feeds and feeding management can have a positive effect.
Module 3 - Environmental policies and environmental issues within the livestock sector
Advisers to increase their knowledge on issues such as soil nutrient content, manure application and storage, livestock housing and nutrient balance. Be aware of Policies on Greenhouse gases, ammonia and water quality.
Module 4 - How nutrition and feeding management can be used to mitigate environmental impact
Advisers to be able to understand the impact /causes of nutrition & management on the production of potentially damaging environmental emissions. Appreciate and understand how to use the optimum diet to minimise nutrient excesses and how these can link to diet cost savings and/or additional value.
Advisers will complete an online competency assessment for each of the modules to ensure they have understood the requirements within the sector in which they are working and meet the module outcomes. An 80% pass mark needs to be achieved for each of the modules and three attempts is allowed to achieve a pass in each of the modules.
The assessments are broken down as follows:
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20 online assessment questions for Module 1 and 2
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20 online assessment questions for Module 3 spilt onto 2 sections (10 in each)
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20 online assessment questions for Module 4 spilt into 2 sections (10 in each)
Assessment questions have been created with the support of industry professionals and university lecturers.